Muslim Woman Elected to US Congress

Rashida Tlaib has become the first Muslim woman elected to the US Congress after winning the Democratic primary election to represent Michigan’s 13th district. After her grassroots campaign, during which she raised over $1 million, she won 33.6% of the vote. She will enter Congress officially on the 6th November, unopposed by any Republican candidates. Her district, the 13th Congressional District, includes a large southern area of suburban Detroit in Wayne County. Tlaib’s predecessor for her seat in Congress, John Conyers Jr, retired last year after claims of sexual harassment. He had served in the position since 1965.
Speaking about her victory, she said she was filled with emotion; “Especially meeting voters and talking to them, they are inspired “¦ One resident said she’s happy for me and has already written. It’s been amazing to interact with families at polling locations. I feel very much supported”.
Tlaib, who was born in Detroit in 1976, is the daughter of two Palestinian immigrants. She studied politics, and then law, at university before graduating in 2004, and has previously served as Michigan state representative after winning the seat in 2008, making her the second Muslim woman to serve in a state legislature in the US. Jamilah Nasheed of Missouri was the first.